A Shropshire youth charity is marking Volunteers' Week by celebrating the dedicated volunteers who help change young lives every day through their support and commitment. All About Youth, which supports youth clubs and delivers youth services across Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin, says volunteers are at the heart of everything it does and play a vital role in helping young people feel safe, valued and supported.
Richard Parkes, chief executive of All About Youth, said: "Volunteers are absolutely essential to youth work and the positive impact it has on young people. They give their time, energy and enthusiasm to support young people, often without seeking any recognition for themselves. A volunteer might be the person who encourages a young person to try something new, helps them build confidence, teaches them a skill, or simply provides a trusted adult who listens and believes in them. Those moments may seem small, but they can have a lasting impact on a young person's life."
One volunteer who has experienced that impact first-hand is Sarah, who volunteers at Hadley Youth Club. She commented: "Nothing makes me happier than supporting people to grow - whether that's helping them develop a new skill, encouraging them to achieve something they didn't think was possible, or simply being there to cheer them on. One of the best things about volunteering is seeing young people become more confident over time. Sometimes all they need is someone to encourage them, believe in them and help them realise what they are capable of. It's incredibly rewarding to know you've played even a small part in helping a young person grow and succeed."
All About Youth offers a range of volunteering opportunities to suit different interests, skills and levels of commitment, such as club volunteers who work directly alongside youth workers at local youth clubs, helping to create welcoming, safe and engaging environments for young people. The charity is also looking for 'Skill Sharers' to volunteer their expertise or hobbies, whether that is sport, music, gardening or another interest, helping young people discover new talents and opportunities. There are also opportunities to help behind the scenes, providing vital support in areas such as fundraising, administration and events to ensure the charity can continue reaching young people across the region.
Richard added: "One of the great things about volunteering is that there is no single route into it. Some people volunteer every week at a youth club, others share a particular skill or interest, and many help us behind the scenes. Every contribution matters because every contribution helps us create better opportunities for young people. We regularly hear from volunteers who tell us they get just as much out of the experience as the young people do. They build friendships, develop new skills and gain enormous satisfaction from seeing young people grow in confidence and achieve their potential."
The charity is encouraging anyone who has ever considered volunteering to find out more by visiting the All About Youth website at www.allaboutyouth.org.uk.
